Gov. Phil Murphy announced Sept. 6 that he was nominating Justin Zimmerman to serve as permanent commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI), pending Senate confirmation.

In June, Zimmerman was appointed as acting commissioner of DOBI following the departure of former Commissioner Marlene Caride.

He joined the department in January 2018 – serving as its chief of staff, overseeing the executive management team and managing all aspects of policy implementation under Caride.

The governor’s office notes that during Zimmerman’s tenure in that role, DOBI developed and implemented numerous consumer protections and programs impacting New Jerseyans, such as the state’s out-of-network law, student loan protections, mortgage servicers licensing, expanded reproductive health care access, and Get Covered New Jersey – the state’s official health insurance marketplace.

The DOBI commissioner is responsible for leading the department in regulating the state’s banking, insurance, and real estate industries as well as Get Covered New Jersey.

In a press release announcing the nomination, Murphy described Zimmerman as an asset to DOBI since day one of his administration.

“And I have no doubt he will continue to do an excellent job in his role as Commissioner,” said Murphy. “In addition to the time he has already spent serving as Acting Commissioner, Justin’s prior experience as the department’s Chief of Staff makes him more than qualified for this position. His skilled leadership and thorough understanding of banking and insurance policy have helped countless residents throughout our state and will serve him well as he continues to lead this department.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Commissioner in an administration that is dedicated to improving the lives of New Jerseyans,” said Zimmerman. “It is an honor to be nominated to lead the department’s committed public servants as we continue our efforts to protect residents, enable access to quality, affordable health insurance and ensure that the department’s regulated entities operate in accordance with the law. I thank the governor for his confidence and for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the Murphy Administration to create a stronger and fairer New Jersey.”

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